High blood sugar doesn’t always come with warning signs, but inside your body, it could be quietly doing damage. From draining your energy to putting pressure on your organs, hyperglycemia can affect more than just your blood glucose levels. Understanding what hyperglycemia does to your body is the first step toward protecting your health.
At Carolina Medical Associates, we offer glucose testing in Pineville, near Charlotte, NC, to help monitor and maintain your body’s sugar levels. When glucose levels are elevated, the body struggles to utilize sugar for energy, leading to a series of responses that can harm the body.
Our diabetes doctors in Pineville, Dr. Shah and Dr. Agha, are experts in addressing hyperglycemia symptoms. They will provide a valuable guide on managing your blood sugar levels and educate you on any concerns you may have, including what causes hyperglycemia and how it relates to diabetes.
What is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia, commonly known as high blood sugar, occurs when the amount of glucose in the blood exceeds normal levels. Blood sugar levels that consistently remain above 180 mg/dL after meals or 125 mg/dL before meals are indicative of hyperglycemia. If left untreated, prolonged hyperglycemia can result in severe health complications.
Causes of Hyperglycemia
Understanding what causes hyperglycemia is important for effective management and prevention. The factors contributing to hyperglycemia include: insufficient insulin production, dietary influences, stress and illness, and certain medications.
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- Low insulin production: In individuals with Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. This causes an abnormal rise in the blood glucose, as there is insufficient insulin to get the sugar absorbed by the cells.
- Nutrition: Consuming a diet high in carbohydrates can increase glucose levels. Foods like sugary snacks, coffee, and some processed foods can elevate blood sugar when consumed without sufficient insulin.
- Stress: When the body experiences stress, whether physical or emotional, it releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase glucose production by the liver and hinder insulin’s effectiveness, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.
- Insulin resistance: People with Type 2 diabetes often experience insulin resistance, which means the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. As a result, glucose remains in the blood, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
- Medications: Drugs, such as glucocorticoids and antipsychotics, can impair glucose metabolism in the body and lead to hyperglycemia.
What Are The Symptoms of Hyperglycemia?
Recognizing the symptoms of hyperglycemia is vital, as early intervention can help prevent more severe complications. Let’s explore some common hyperglycemia symptoms.
Polydipsia
This is otherwise known as increased thirst. When blood sugar levels abnormally rise, the kidneys try to filter out the excess glucose, leading to increased urination. This frequent urination results in dehydration, prompting the individual to feel a stronger urge to drink fluids.
Weight Loss
Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to the body breaking down fat and muscle for energy when it cannot use glucose effectively. This process can result in weight loss, even if the individual is consuming adequate food.
Blurred Vision
High sugar levels can cause the lenses of the eyes to swell, altering the shape and preventing light rays from focusing on the retina. This can lead to temporary changes in vision, making it challenging for individuals to see clearly.
Fatigue
Abnormally high glucose levels can interfere with the body’s ability to use glucose for energy effectively, leading to a lack of stamina and general tiredness. This fatigue can manifest as extreme exhaustion, making it difficult for an affected person to perform everyday tasks.
Recurrent Infections
High glucose levels in the blood can cause infections, especially in areas where moisture accumulates, such as the skin and urinary tract.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and are looking for the best ways to manage hyperglycemia in Pineville, we encourage you to visit us at Carolina Medical Associates and let our professionals help you achieve optimal health.
How is Hyperglycemia Diagnosed?
The most common method for diagnosing hyperglycemia is through blood glucose testing. Many individuals often confuse the symptoms of diabetes with hyperglycemia, so healthcare providers should assess symptoms related to hyperglycemia. A detailed medical history and physical examination are also essential for understanding how to treat hyperglycemia.
Glucose Level Testing in Pineville, NC
The importance of glucose level testing cannot be overstated. Regular glucose monitoring is important, given the health implications associated with fluctuating blood sugar levels. At Carolina Medical Associates, we provide glucose testing in Pineville, near Charlotte, to help manage abnormally high sugar levels. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
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